diabetes (diabetes mellitus)
(dI-uh-bE-tEs), (dI-uh-bE-tEs mel-I-tus)
A metabolic disease in which carbohydrate usage is reduced while lipid and protein usage is enhanced. It is caused by a lack of insulin and is depicted in more severe cases by chronic hyperglycemia, glycosuria, water and electrolyte loss, ketoacidosis, and coma. Long-term complications include: disorders of the nervous system, eyes and kidneys; degenerative changes in blood vessels; and an increased rate of infection.